Direct Democracy Diaries

Ballot Initiative Strategy Center

Direct Democracy Diaries explores ballot measures from grassroots campaigns to transformative victories. Hosted by Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian from the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, we bring you stories of activists who've harnessed direct democracy for community change. Whether you're a seasoned leader or newcomer, tune in as we break down campaign strategies. Each episode features compelling stories about coalition building, signature gathering, and defending victories, showing how democracy works from the ground up. https://ballot.org/

Episodes

  1. E6: From Victory to Vigilance: Richard von Glahn on Post-Election Power

    11/12/2025

    E6: From Victory to Vigilance: Richard von Glahn on Post-Election Power

    In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris and Caroline are joined by Richard von Glahn, a longtime ballot initiative strategist with Missouri Jobs with Justice. Together, they explore what happens after the win—when implementation battles begin and the work of organizing deepens. From California’s Proposition 50 and Maine’s defense of voting access, to Colorado’s tax reforms for school meals, they trace 2025 ballot trends that shape the road to 2026. Richard shares stories from Missouri’s fight to uphold Proposition A, lessons from campaigns won and lost, and how movement-building becomes the foundation for long-term power. This episode highlights why organizing doesn’t end at the ballot box—and how every campaign is a step toward collective agency.    ___________________________________________________________________________________________________   [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:13] Discussion of California's Proposition 50 and its implications on gerrymandering.  [00:02:24] Introduction of Richard von Glahn and the significance of Maine's ballot measures.  [00:04:35] Overview of Colorado's Measures LL and MM and their impact.  [00:06:03] Richard’s advocacy background and ballot initiative involvement.  [00:10:34] Missouri’s coalition building and strategy after winning ballot measures.  [00:14:24] Implementation challenges of Proposition A in Missouri.  [00:20:31] Power building lessons from union and worker organizing.  [00:23:33] Lessons from failed campaigns and the importance of movement building.  [00:27:31] Powerful stories that shaped campaign narratives.  [00:31:04] Gerrymandering and initiative process threats in Missouri.  [00:33:09] BISC's role in ballot measure strategy and campaign support.  [00:36:20] Importance of early campaign funding for power building.  [00:38:47] Lessons from organizing against authoritarian structures.  [00:41:33] Advice for new and seasoned advocates in ballot measure work.  [00:46:24] Ballot measures as love letters to communities.  ___________________________________________________________________________________________________   If you’re interested in the work that Richard and Missouri Jobs with Justice are doing, you can learn more at: https://mojwj.org/    To learn about the effort to stop gerrymandering in Missouri, check out https://peoplenotpoliticiansmo.org/    To learn more about ‘Building Power Beyond the Ballot Box’, go to: https://ballot.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Building-Power-Report.pdf  BISC Official Website: ⁠ https://ballot.org/⁠  BISC on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ BISC on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ BISC on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter⁠ Chris Melody Fields Figueiredo on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields⁠  Caroline Sánchez-Avakian on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineavakian⁠

    50 min
  2. E2: Running Ballot Measures with Community + Care with Lauren Brenzel + Sarah Parker

    10/08/2025

    E2: Running Ballot Measures with Community + Care with Lauren Brenzel + Sarah Parker

    Running a ballot measure takes more than signatures and soundbites—it takes people, trust, and courage. In this episode, co-hosts Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian sit down with organizers Lauren Brenzel (Florida's Yes on 4 Campaign Director) and Sarah Parker (Executive Director of Voices of Florida) to unpack what it really takes to launch a ballot initiative. From the tough early decision of whether to go to the ballot, to navigating funding challenges, to building a diverse and powerful coalition, Lauren and Sarah share the inside story of Florida’s 2024 fight for reproductive freedom. Listeners will learn how to balance strategy with care, build alignment across differences, and why the most powerful and equitable campaigns are always rooted in community. If you’ve ever wondered how grassroots organizing becomes a ballot measure, this conversation is your roadmap. If you’re interested in the work that Lauren and Sarah are doing, you can learn more at:  www.floridareprofreedom.org/  and www.voicesofflorida.org/ Check out a 2024 interview of Lauren with author and journalist Jessica Valenti: https://jessica.substack.com/p/chat-with-lauren-brenzel-campaign And also Sarah’s rousing and inspiring speech on election night 2024: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCBMGtVsVZV/ BISC on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy⁠ BISC on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/⁠ BISC on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter

    1h 15m
5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Direct Democracy Diaries explores ballot measures from grassroots campaigns to transformative victories. Hosted by Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian from the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, we bring you stories of activists who've harnessed direct democracy for community change. Whether you're a seasoned leader or newcomer, tune in as we break down campaign strategies. Each episode features compelling stories about coalition building, signature gathering, and defending victories, showing how democracy works from the ground up. https://ballot.org/